The artist’s death was announced in a statement on his verified Instagram page.
“It has been a strong blow for his children, grandchildren, friends and family in general. Robert taught us many things, but he never prepared us for this,” said Andres Waldemar, singer and spokesman for the Roena family.
Roena, who was known in the salsa world as “El Señor Bongo”, was a member of several musical groups such as Rafael Cortijo y su combo and Fania All Stars, and founder of the Apollo Sound orchestra.
In more than 60 years of musical career, Roena left songs for posterity such as: “Let it be known”, “Why do you deny yourself”, “How do I make you understand”, “My disappointment”, “You crazy, crazy, and I calm down “, and” happy tide “.